Grapes of Wrath Grapes of Wrath shouldn’t be on a list of recommendation list for high school readers. Although it is important for people to read, this piece of classic literature, it isn’t something every high school student should read. The subject matter isn’t the issue, it’s the understanding of the desperation during the time period, that’s most high school students don’t have. Many students in high school haven’t yet learned about the dust bowl, and it helps to have a basic knowledge of the time period when you read a piece of historical fiction. With information of the time, it’s easier to understand the feeling of desperation and devastating fact that many lost their livelihoods and homes. This comprehension may happen for some in high school, but this would be a better book to read in college. Then the reader would’ve gone through American history in high school and possibly a more in depth class in college. It would also be easier to understand different messages and concepts in the book. For example, when Rose of Sharon breast-feeds a starving man, it symbolic of rebirth and the prosperity that will come, along with the struggle of humanity, and how they have nothing but are so selfless to help others. This symbolism is hard to grasp as a high school student, but would be easier for a college student whom might have taken a few philosophy courses. Then they have an understanding and awareness of symbolism embedded into pieces of literature. Overall, Grapes of Wrath is important for everyone to read, but just not in high school; it should be read when the reader is older and can see the symbolism and knows the background of the time.
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